Haddam: River cruise benefits conservation program

Published
7:15 pm EDT, Wednesday, July 29, 2015

HADDAM >> Tickets are available now for the 11th annual Tree Swallow Cruise and Wine Tasting to benefit the Connecticut River Watch Program, Aug. 25, 5:30 p.m. aboard the RiverQuest at Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam.

Participants will be treated to a three-hour sunset cruise on the lower Connecticut River, fine local and organic wines from Priam Vineyards and Organic Vintages and a sumptuous feast.

For the grand finale, guests will have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring swallow ballet, a unique natural phenomenon.

Tickets, at $95 donation per person, can be reserved by phoning RiverQuests’ office at 860-346-3282. To read an account and see photos of last year’s cruise, go to www.conservect.org/ctrivercoastal (click on “past events” tab).

The Connecticut River Watch Program (CRWP) is an EPA award winning citizen water quality monitoring program for the Connecticut River and tributaries—the only one of its kind in Connecticut. CRWP, established in 1992, is sponsored by the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District. The program provides a great opportunity for citizens to take an active role in protecting their rivers and streams. Participants collect and analyze river samples, help identify pollution problems and sources, and advocate for clean water in their communities. Information collected by volunteers is used by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in water quality reports, by local officials to identify and address water quality threats and impairments, and in community efforts to protect and restore rivers. CRWP supports monitoring efforts in five watersheds: the Mattabesset/Coginchaug, Eightmile, Blackledge, Pequabuck and Hockanum.

The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Middletown, works to conserve the natural resources of towns in the lower Connecticut River watershed and coastal areas. For more information about the District visit our website at www.conservect.org/ctrivercoastal.